When is Monsoon Season in Arizona?
Arizona Travel Guide explains when monsoon season is in Arizona, what you can expect where, when to expect rain, and all you need to know about monsoon season.
There’s no doubt that Arizona’s monsoon season is spectacular. It may not be much fun if you get caught out in the rain, or if you want to play golf, but as something to sit back and watch, it’s fantastic.
If a big storm rolls in, we often switch off the TV, open the curtains, and watch the thunder and lightning play across the mountaintops, and the rain beat down on our yard as if the earth was about to be flooded again. However, here’s the more practical information.
When is Monsoon Season in Arizona?
Monsoon season in Arizona typically begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of September, with the peak usually occurring in July and August. The exact timing and intensity can vary from year to year and from one part of the state to another. The monsoon season is characterized by a shift in wind patterns that brings moisture from the Gulf of California into the region, leading to increased rainfall.
How Much Does It Rain in Arizona’s Monsoon Season?
The amount of rain during the monsoon season can vary significantly. In some years, the monsoon can bring heavy rainfall and cause flash floods, while in other years, the rainfall can be relatively light. For instance, in 2020, Arizona experienced one of its driest monsoon seasons on record, with Phoenix receiving only 0.66 inches of rain during the entire season. In contrast, in 2014, Phoenix received 6.34 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest monsoon seasons in recent history.
How Long Does Monsoon Season Last?
The duration of rainfall during the monsoon season can also vary. Some storms can last for several hours, while others may only last for a few minutes. However, the rain from monsoon storms is often intense, with a large amount of rain falling in a short period of time.
When do Rainstorms Happen?
Monsoon storms in Arizona often occur in the late afternoon or early evening, following a period of intense daytime heating. These storms can be accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and lightning. Despite the potential for severe weather, the monsoon season is an important time of year in Arizona, as it provides much-needed rainfall to the arid region.
It’s also worth noting that the monsoon season can have a significant impact on the local climate. During this period, temperatures can drop significantly, providing a welcome relief from the intense heat of the Arizona summer. However, the increased humidity can make the weather feel muggy and uncomfortable.
Arizona’s Monsoon Season in a Nutshell
To sum up: while the monsoon season in Arizona can be unpredictable and vary from year to year, it typically occurs from mid-June to the end of September, with the most intense rainfall usually occurring in July and August. The amount of rain and the duration of the storms can vary, but they often occur in the late afternoon or early evening and can bring a significant amount of rain in a short period of time.
OUR PICK OF THE GUIDES
From that blues bar you haven’t visited yet to the desert hike you keep meaning to plan, experience something new right here at home with Moon 52 Things to Do in Phoenix & Tucson.
- Cool things to do in and around the cities: Kick back at a Spring Training game or squeeze into the grandstands of El Gran Mercado for some lucha libre. Bike the famed Loop in Tucson, kayak Tempe Town Lake, and lace up your boots for an urban hike in the Phoenix Mountains. Support local BIPOC writers at Palabras Bilingual Bookstore and taste what’s on tap at a women-owned brewery. Savor Sonoran-style food like tamales and carne asada or try authentic Tohono O’odham fry bread.
